Unique, painstaking steps we take to get the job done right for you!

If you invest in a reconditioned engine from The Engine Exchange, you are 100% assured that the job will be done right. If the following crucial steps are not carried out by your prospective engine reconditioner you might not be getting what you have been promised.

Step 1

Tagging and Dismantling

This is a very important step as all the engine details are first registered on a job sheet giving it a stock number. The engine is then dismantled and stripped down completely. Every part is placed in a container with the job or stock number. The entire engine block is then ready to be soaked in the purpose-built acid cleaning tank.

Step 2

Speciality Cleaning in an Agitating Hot Acid Tank

The engine block is completely immersed in a special detergent bath that agitates and operates at around 95 C for at least 24 hours or until the engine block is completely cleaned. The acid tank is efficient in removing carbon and residue collected over the years. This means nothing is taken to chance as any dirt or residue not removed could cause problems later. The Engine Exchange has invested thousands of dollars in the state-of-the-art in engine cleaning equipment so that you avoid unnecessary problems later.

Step 3

Engine Reboring and Honing Process

Once the entire block has been cleaned in the acid bath it is rebored to original tolerances and honed with a 3 stage honing process in order to bring the "RA" (roughness average) down as close as possible to the manufacturer's specification. This three-stage process is unique and allows for greater efficiency and a longer engine life. When getting a quote, be sure to ask if chrome or molly rings will be used and beware of engines with cheaper cast iron piston rings.

Step 4

Cylinder Block Facing

It is customary in the engine trade to only inspect the block face and if it seems to be OK it is then sent through without machining. The Engine Exchange not only machine all block faces regardless, they also carry out this procedure using the most modern tooling available, thus reducing any possibility of 'carbon tracking'. Carbon tracking occurs when the face finish is too coarse and allows harmful gases to pass the gasket seal into the cooling system. These gases then destroy the coolant and can rapidly increase corrosion growth causing the engine to overheat, which would ultimately cost you dearly.

Step 5

Final Washing After Machining

After honing, washing is a crucial part of the process as the honing process produces very abrasive honing grit. This grit, if left unnoticed in an engine, will destroy a reconditioned engine in a very short time, so The Engine Exchange uses a cleaning process that allows them to completely remove the harmful grit. After the block is machined we place it in another hot agitating tank with a cleaning chemical. While the block is submerged in the chemical, it is then subjected to a bottlebrush type cleaner that is rotated rapidly in each bore, removing any harmful grit.

Step 6

Identification and Replacement of Faulty Parts

After each part is spotlessly cleaned it is then placed on the "kit-up" bench. At this stage a qualified engine reconditioner inspects all the parts and measures them for any wear. After this inspection, all parts which are machinable are sent for machining and all parts such as pistons, rings, timing chains, gears, oil pumps, camshaft, main and big end bearings, hydraulic lifters, rocker shafts, rocker arms, gaskets and seals are tested or replaced.

Step 7

Cylinder Head Reconditioning

This is the most important of all procedures in a reconditioned engine yet this process is where the most corners are cut. Many engine reconditioning companies will give you an "as necessary" cylinder head reconditioning. This means that in an attempt to keep costs down they will only perform the bare minimum of repairs. The Engine Exchange has all processes carried out on all cylinder heads whether required or not.

All cylinder heads are cleaned in the very latest head cleaning machines available. This very complex machine is automatic and cleans the heads with stainless steel shot. This cleaning process ensures that no dirt is left in the head that could shorten the life of your reconditioned engine.
Every cylinder head is vacuum tested prior to welding (Only alloy heads welded, cast iron diesel heads are replaced if they are cracked or corroded). After welding all heads are either crack tested or pressure tested and any faulty heads replaced.
Cylinder head facing.All cylinder heads are faced on the high tech purpose-built P.C.D Tooling (Poly-Crystalline Diamond Tooling) machine that could cost up to $50,000. This equipment with P.C.D Tooling allows a finish so smooth as to allow a perfect and long lasting seal with the head gasket and removes the possibility of carbon tracking.
All New Valve Guides. All New Valve Guides are diamond honed to make sure of an exact clearance in order to give longer engine life and a perfect seal. The latest technology Bronze "K line" guides are fitted in every reconditioned engine to prevent premature wear in guides. This will result in bad oil burning as in your old engine if not replaced.
Computerised valve seat cutting. Computerised valve seat cutting eliminates power and compression loss and poor fuel economy. A computer controlled "Newen" seat cutter ensures the valves are seated the same way as they are in the factory. This process eliminates the possibility of premature burnt valves and increases power and efficiency. 100% guaranteed and unique to WA.

Step 8

Engine Assembly

Engine Assembly is carried out by qualified and competent engine reconditioners. This final stage is carried out in a positive air flow area ensuring the engines stay extremely clean and dust free. This procedure of assembly is carried is carried out by measuring and testing components at all stages and continually referring the Engine Technical Data Sheets.

Checking piston height. Checking piston height with dial gauge for precision to give precise compression ratio, which is critical to overall performance and fuel efficiency.
All components are fully tested. The Engine Exchange only get parts from the best suppliers. All parts and components are fully tested at every stage of assembly to ensure that everything fits exactly into place and all parts meet strict specifications.
Wide range of late model engines in stock. Once the engine is fully assembled, tested and identified it is then wrapped and put on the rack for sale. The Engine Exchange has in excess of 100 engines (petrol or diesel) in stock including the most comprehensive range of late models. They also have a huge range of exchange cylinder heads.

Step 9

Engine Wrapping

All engines are cling wrapped to maintain cleanliness during storage and many types and models are available 'ex-stock' for immediate purchase, or for fitting in our in-house workshop.

Step 10

In-house Engine Fitting

The in-house fitting is carried out in The Engine Exchange's modern equipped workshop located within the complex. This workshop carries out RAC approved procedures in fitting and is capable of fitting an exchange engine to your vehicle in an extremely competent and professional manner in 48 hours. They go over and above the RAC's highest warranty standards and they insist on road testing all vehicles to make absolutely sure that the engine is operating efficiently. If it passes this final test, the qualified fitting mechanic places a service sticker on it and then, and only then, can the vehicle be approved by our workshop manager.